Residual moisture in concrete can cause serious damage down the road. Flooring failures attributed to moisture-related concrete problems are at an all-time high and it is affecting both the foundation and the floor covering. Certain floor coverings whether it be coatings, carpet, vinyl, rubber, wood, or laminates are all affected to one degree or another by pH issues and excess water vapor emissions. Moisture that is contained in concrete can cause floor covering issues, including:
- Gaps between tiles
- Adhesive oozing
- Bumps
- Dents
- Cupping
- Bubbles
- Indentations
If these issues are left unresolved and the bigger issue of moisture in the concrete is not addressed, these problems can evolve into much larger health and safety issues.
Mold and Mildew
One of the main concerns with moisture in concrete is the growth of mold or mildew under your floor coverings or in the walls. Concrete with excess moisture will begin to emit vapors into drier air but this can cause puddles to form under the floor coverings and the walls will also begin to absorb the moisture.
Exposure to mold or mildew can cause unpleasant side effects like:
- Nasal stuffiness
- Throat irritation
- Coughing or wheezing
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
For people suffering from autoimmune disease, the side effects can be more serious and cause problems with their breathing.
Floors Lifting
If moisture is present in concrete, it can also cause your floor coverings to begin lifting. This is due to the water being secreted above the concrete and causing a layer of water to separate the concrete from the floor covering. This is also an extremely costly repair and often involves replacing both your floor coverings and the concrete. You might also notice some of the more aesthetic issues like bubbling, bumps, and adhesive oozing.
Grout
When there is a moisture issue in grouted tile or mosaic flooring, it will often begin to appear as a whitish residue on the surface of the grout. This is the result of water-soluble minerals being dissolved by the moisture within the slab. This is obviously an issue and damages the integrity of your tile and the grout holding it together. In extreme cases, excess moisture can lead to flaking or chipping of the grout which results in complete grout failure.
Getting Concrete Tested– It is important to get your concrete tested before laying down any floor coverings. At Zenith Painting and Coatings, we use state-of-the-art In-situ Relative Humidity Testing for all of our clients. In fact, many floor covering manufacturers are now requiring in-situ RH testing before installing any floor coverings.
When you choose to work with Zenith Painting & Coatings, we will make sure the job is done right. We have a solid team of professionals who are committed to providing top quality customer service. We pride ourselves in our handiwork and we have the necessary equipment and manpower to make sure we leave you with beautiful concrete that is ready to be dressed with the floor covering of your choice. Call us today or visit our website to learn more!
